The Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation have been providing student scholarships to aspiring young artists for 50 years! One of their celebrations of this event was the recent presentation of “LOVE LETTERS”, a play by A.R. Gurney, at the Idyllwild Arts Theatre on the campus of the respected Idyllwild Arts Academy.

This sold-out event drew 285 guests ($25 general admission and $ 50 VIP) with artistic direction by the Idyllwild Arts Academy. TV, Stage, and film actors Wendie Malick and Dan Lauria performed for this one-night–only fundraiser, which will fund the Academy's summer scholarship program.

“I think any time you can pay forward as a working actor, it is incumbent on us to do that,” said Actress Wendie Malick. “This is an opportunity to give to a school that is already providing my family with a gift. Idyllwild is a place where one can immerse oneself in their passion AND get to live and learn and play with like-minded people. The thought that a school like Idyllwild exists, makes me both thrilled and envious. It’s like an extended summer camp for artists -- with homework" she added with a smile.

Ms. Malick and Mr. Lauria, are both highly-acclaimed award-winning actors, respected especially for their portrayal of memorable characters. Malick, a Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress, is best recognized for her recent roles in MOM, HOT in CLEVELAND, and JUST SHOOT ME. Mr. Lauria played the role of Vince Lombardi in the Broadway hit LOMBARDI. Mr. Lauria’s best-known roles have included the film INDEPENDENCE DAY and Jack Arnold in THE WONDER YEARS.

“I am supporting Idyllwild Arts Academy because I want to support the efforts of my Goddaughter, Gwen Malick,” said Dan Lauria. “I wish I could have gone to such a creative school . . . I’d be a leading man instead of a character actor, if I had only attended Idyllwild Arts Academy,” Lauria continued, flashing his own smile.

“LOVE LETTERS,” a finalist for a 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who exchanged correspondences over a span of 50 years. In “LOVE LETTERS” the characters read aloud collected notes and cards revealing the successes and sorrows of their lifelong relationship. With a real-life relationship spanning over 25 years, the chemistry and timing between Malick and Lauria made them a perfect duo for this two-person romantic production.

“These two actors were excellent together, and you could instantly tell they genuinely enjoyed one another, “ said Michael Slocum, President of The Associates and Committee Chair. “This script worked because the two of them are so well suited to one another.”

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THE ASSOCIATES OF THE IDYLLWILD ARTS FOUNDATION

The mission of non-profit Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation is to support education in the arts, specifically the programs of the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program, along with other cultural activities for the local community of Idyllwild.